– The Liberal Democrats have elected activist Baroness Brinton as the party’s new president, following a ballot of its members. She defeated Daisy Cooper by 10,188 votes to 6,138 after former MP Liz Lynne was eliminated following the count of first preference votes. Lady Brinton will take over from Tim Farron in January. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said she would be a “powerful advocate” for activists in a “crucial election year”.